The government is in the process of planning the biggest set of motoring reforms since the driving test was first introduced in 1935.

A number of major changes have been tabled as part of a new consultation document, including the closing of test centres, part-privatising the practical exam, increasing the age limit for licence renewal and higher fees for motoring services.

The nation’s highway bosses have warned the pothole problem on UK’s roads has reached ‘crisis point’.

With further Government cuts to road maintenance possible and a severe winter feared the impact on the country’s already crumbling roads could be “catastrophic”, according to a local government transport head.

Motorists are ‘fed up’ with the condition of Britain’s roads and rising fuel prices and insurance premiums. That is the view of Motors.co.uk following a survey which revealed 82 per cent of drivers were disgruntled with the cost of motoring, endless postholes and continued roadworks.

According to the survey a third of motorists are making an effort to decrease their driving time, while three-quarters feel that the latest Government policies including the Fuel Duty cuts are not supporting them financially at the wheel.